According to Incan legend, the sun god sent his children, Mama Ocllo and Manco Capac, to Earth to found the city of Cusco and establish a great empire, the Incan Empire. Historical sources indicate that Manco Capac first started the Inti Raymi festival in honor of his father.
Ancient stories testify to the splendor with which this worship was performed, describing temples, walls, and solar statues entirely decorated with gold. However, the fate of these treasures remains a mystery to researchers. Some say the Incas sank large amounts of gold in Lake Titicaca when the invaders arrived. Others suggest it was lost during the costly and unsuccessful attempt to rescue the Inca Atahualpa.
Sadly, this massive celebration, which was as important as the Western New Year, was officially banned by the Spaniards in 1535. The colonial authorities considered these customs a threat to their political and religious power and tried to stop the tradition, which nevertheless survived in the collective memory of the Andes.
The term Inti Raymi comes from the Quechua language and translates literally to "Festival of the Sun" (inti: sun; raymi: festival). Historically, it was the most important religious ceremony of the Tahuantinsuyo. It was celebrated every year on June 21, which is the winter solstice in the Southern Hemisphere. During this time, the sun is farthest from the Earth, and people asked it to return.
At the height of the Inca Empire, the emperor and nobles were revered as direct descendants of the sun god. The ritual served two purposes: to thank the gods for the just-ended harvest and to make offerings and sacrifices to ensure the gods' favor for the next farming cycle, guaranteeing prosperity and food for all.
Today, the Inca festival of Inti Raymi is celebrated on June 24, but during the Inca Empire, the ceremony coincided with the winter solstice on June 21, marking the beginning of the new Andean year.
According to chroniclers, during the time of the Tahuantinsuyo, thousands of people gathered on the Haukaypata esplanade (now the Plaza de Armas in Cusco) from the night before. They awaited the rising of the sun god, Inti, from behind the mountains with devotion. When his first rays appeared, the attendees offered prayers of gratitude for future harvests.
Inti Raymi, established by Inca Pachacutec, took place over nine days, from dawn to dusk. Complex rituals were performed during this time, including the sacrifice of black llamas. Using a ceremonial knife called a tumi, priests opened the animals to read their organs and predict the future. Finally, the remains were offered to the sun in a sacred bonfire.
Following the conquest of the Tahuantinsuyo, Viceroy Francisco de Toledo banned Inti Raymi, deeming it an incompatible pagan rite with Catholic doctrine. Nevertheless, the festival survived in secret, as recounted by the mestizo chronicler Inca Garcilaso de la Vega.
It wasn't until 1944 that Cusco researcher Faustino Espinoza Navarro promoted its revival by organizing a historical reenactment that marked the rebirth of this ancient tradition. Since then, the Inca Sun Festival, or Inti Raymi, has been celebrated every June 24 in Cusco and has become one of Peru's greatest cultural and tourist attractions.
The Inca Empire extended across western South America from the 14th to the early 16th century. Inti Raymi is an annual Inca festival celebrated in the Peruvian city of Cusco each June. Although the winter solstice occurs on June 21 in the Southern Hemisphere, the Incas believed that the sun remained in the same place for three days. Thus, the festival is celebrated on June 24, considered one of the shortest days of the year.
Throughout the time of the Incan Empire, Inti Raymi was the most famous festival of the year. According to Incan ritual, the festival was established in 1412 by Pachacutec, the ninth and most important Incan emperor, who also constructed the Machu Picchu citadel. The festival celebrated the sun god Inti, marking the return of the sun and the Incan new year. The festival was also a time to thank the Incan goddess Pachamama for a bountiful harvest.
The llama sacrifice during Inti Raymi was a highly ritualized process. The selected llamas were adorned with colorful textiles and ornaments, and gold or silver plates were placed in their ears. Then, they were taken to the Sun Temple, where they were presented to the Inca emperor. The emperor would perform a ritual, sprinkling the llama's blood on the ground as an offering to the gods. Finally, the llama's body was prepared for a feast, and its meat was shared among the people.
Yes, bonfires are lit during Inti Raymi as part of the traditional celebrations. They are considered symbolic of the sun and are lit to honor Inti, the Incan sun god.
The bonfires also serve a practical purpose during the festival by providing warmth on cold winter nights in the Andes. Additionally, the smoke from the bonfires is believed to have purifying properties, cleansing the air of negative energies.
Overall, bonfires are an integral part of Inti Raymi, contributing to the festive and spiritual atmosphere of the celebration.
The center of Cusco is closed to buses and cabs during the city's festivities. The Plaza de Armas in Cuzco is fenced off, so you'll have to arrive early in the morning to avoid the crowds and get a good view. Even better, reserve a spot on one of the second-floor balconies of a neighboring bar or restaurant in advance. The Saqsayhuman ruins, a 60-minute walk from the city center, are closed during the festival. The best spots are in the main stadium grandstand, but if you're on a budget, head to the surrounding hills. Bring a sandwich and get there before 8:00 a.m. for the best views.
During the time of the Incas, up to 50,000 people traveled to Cusco from across the empire to participate in the 15 day celebrations.
The ceremony begins in the gardens of the Coricancha, the ancient Temple of the Sun. There, the Inca pays homage to the god Inti and asks for prosperity for the empire, accompanied by the Qoya and members of the nobility. Simultaneously, delegations from the four suyos arrive, symbolizing the unification of all the regions of the Tahuantinsuyo.
The Inca delivers a solemn speech in front of the temple with impressive staging.
"Oh, Inti, sacred father! Powerful sun, source of life and eternal joy. From your dwelling in Cusco, you share your power with the moon, lightning, and thunder.”
Although there is only one grandstand with seating, there are ample areas where you can stand and watch the start of the festival. It is recommended that you arrive early to find a good spot.
Following the ceremony at Qoricancha, the Inca and his royal court, along with the army of Tahuantinsuyo, process solemnly through the city streets. Upon arriving at the Plaza de Armas, the Ñustas, the Aqllas, and the ceremonial troops were waiting for him to continue the ritual. There, the Inca performed the coca leaf ceremony and made an invocation to the Apus, the sacred mountains of the Andes.
Following the coca leaf ceremony, the procession moves to the esplanade of the majestic Sacsayhuaman archaeological park. There, more than 80,000 people and 3,500 tourists who purchased tickets for the official stands gather to witness the main event of the Inti Raymi festival.
Here, the Inca performs the most solemn and symbolic rituals, accompanied by his priests and surrounded by warriors, dancers, and musicians. This moment stands out for its visual and ceremonial power as the culmination of the entire festival.
Many local spectators position themselves on the surrounding hills to watch the event. To ensure a good view, it is recommended that you purchase your tickets in advance, as seats are limited and assigned according to the order of purchase.
The Inca New Year, or Inti Raymi, unfolds in three phases. Each phase features Quechua songs, traditional dances, and characters dressed in attire reminiscent of the Inca era. These characters include the ñustas, coyas and pallas, as well as representatives from the four suyos. The climax arrives with the grand entrance of the Inca, who is carried on a golden platform by the Orejones, the esteemed group responsible for carrying the Inca. During the ceremony, women known as "acllas" are chosen to sing to the Sun God and the Inca, and the Inca delivers a speech of gratitude to the ancient deity.
You can purchase tickets to enjoy Inti Raymi through the official "Teleticket" platform. Prices vary depending on the grandstand location and type, so it is recommended that you review the options in advance.
Prepare for a large crowd. Bring the following essentials for the day: water, snacks, sun protection, and something to shield yourself from the sun. Remember that arriving early will get you a better location.
After experiencing the magic of the Inti Raymi festival, the most important celebration in the Andean calendar, many travelers want to continue exploring Cusco's cultural and natural wonders. The region offers ideal destinations where you can extend your adventure by combining history, impressive landscapes, and living traditions. The most popular places to visit after Inti Raymi are:
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